Is this what happens when you get outbid too many times in too many auctions? I wouldn't call it an impulse buy...but I can't deny that after having so many previous bids in other auctions get defeated, I was perhaps not in the best frame of mind to be bidding in another recent auction. But I did, and there was definitely a distinct feeling of "what have I done" when I saw that my bid won. My feelings oscillated between delight and disgust. Delight because the coin looked amazing and well beyond anything I had in my collection. Disgust because I hadn't been planning on getting this particular type, had in fact been saving for another, and now I'll have to divert those funds into this unexpected purchase. Plus, I wouldn't consider the price paid a bargain. A couple days ago I received the coin in the mail. And I have to say that I am simply stunned by the magnificence of this new coin. Yes, I still harbor feelings of guilt about the whole thing, but. This coin is incredible. Beautiful detail, well-struck. Lovely portrait style with full, clear inscription. Wonderfully toned. Much better in hand than even the auction house's photos. My first thought was, "this coin does not belong in my collection." It's just too nice - it's the sort of coin I'm used to seeing posted by @octavius or @Romancollector Pictures simply cannot do it justice but here it is anyway! Interestingly, I found a double-die match in CNG's archives: CNG: eAuction 360. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Denarius (21mm, 3.60 g, 6h). Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?). Struck 19-18 BC. (cngcoins.com) All in all, I'm still a bit conflicted about this coin. But getting it in hand has made me a considerably less annoyed with myself, and I think the coin was probably worth blowing out my coin budget for the foreseeable future. I hope anyway. In any case, I won't be buying any more coins for quite a while, so I might as well enjoy this one! Feel free to post your own "impulse" buys, Augustus coins, or anything else you think is relevant and uplifting!
I know the feeling exactly. That is a very nice coin though, and after you've admired it's appeal some number of times, the pain will be gone! I mentioned in a different thread that I had went on a bit of a binge myself over the past month. Every once in a while, like you said, I feel like I need to cut loose and finally land some stuff! Gonna have to win one eventually right? How about now.... Bid, Bid, Bid, Bid!! Of course the problem with this is that, while it's painful at first, you quickly get accustomed to dumping cash and lose track of yourself. Once reality starts to sink in (by looking at the bank account for instance) then it all turns around.... Stop, Stop, Stop!! I bought 23 coins over the past 5 weeks, here are some of the highlights: Cleopatra VII, 80 Drachmaes. Never thought that a coin in such poor condition would be the 3rd most expensive in my collection Otho, Denarius Pescennius Niger, Denarius Balbinus, [Edit] Double Denarius I obviously bought the coins because I like them, but I currently have a hard time admiring them without feeling a little ashamed of my lack of self-control. I'm self-imposing a "No new coins" limitation on myself for at least a couple of months. Once some time passes, and my bank account recovers, then I will truly be able to appreciate the load of purchases that I made recently. Of course, once I reach that point, I'LL DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!!
For an impulse buy, it's excellent. Maybe change strategy, and go for more impulse buys? Here's a none impuls buy, but it was not on my 'getlist' either. The portrait en reverse were too good to let it pass.
Those are some amazing coins! Not only in very nice condition, but all rare types in high demand. Congrats! I know exactly how you feel - Savoca Auctions in particular are dangerous for me - because the shipping is not cheap, I feel the need to win at least a few if I'm going to win any at all. Then before you know it I've got a dozen coins coming, and a LOT money going. I'm right where you're at right now - I need to stop for a while and let things recover. Maybe try to sell off some too. Time for some self-discipline!
That's part of the problem, I've spent the last couple of years knocking out all of the "Easy" (cheaper) coins that I desire for my collection. The only ones left are ones like these. If I want to complete the collection, then it's time to pay! Funny that you mention this, because shipping associated concerns were part of what got me into trouble in the first place. I only buy slabbed coins, so almost everything that I buy is through Heritage. When I would purchase multiple coins in one auction, say 5+, then the shipping worked out to ~$5 or less per coin, which didn't really bother me. Of course, if I only got 1, then the shipping would be ~$25 for one coin, which DID bother me. That being the case, even if I had 10 coins on my watch list, if I didn't win a few of the early ones then I'd stop bidding all together (didn't want to risk only getting 1 or 2). But, then I learned about the fact that Heritage would hold coins from multiple auctions and ship them all at once upon request, which would always result in a reasonable cost per coin. This was nice because I could continue to target every coin, even if it was 1 or 2 per auction. Once the number of coins started adding up, I felt the urge to continue adding to "maximize the efficiency"! Hence, the abnormally large number of coins purchased. I feel as though I am a pretty introspective, cognizant person that tends to avoid the pitfalls of instinct and psychological manipulation. But, episodes like these keep me aware that I am not immune to such things.
That's for sure a beautiful Augustus denarius. Long after you have forgotten its price you will be enjoying your coin more and more over time. I have felt guilty many times after an expensive purchase. Some years after, never have I regretted buying any of them Here is one Q
I think it is important not to dwell on the past when you bid and won the coin. It is a lovely coin and one very worthy of a star position in the collection. I guess that we tend to associate objects with past events which colors our emotions. Focusing on the new coin, researching it, cataloging it and admiring its beauty should help, as I can see it clear is doing.
